Lord Sebastian St. John, dedicated bachelor and a co-owner of Fallen, the most scandalous pleasure club in London, is known as Sin for good reason. Orphaned by a shocking accident, Sin long ago vowed a life of solitude anddecadence. Yet when Lady Grace Carrington begs for his help destroying her reputation, Sin can’t turn the ton’s most proper lady away.Obedient daughter, wife, and young widow, Grace has had enough of being controlled. After her father arranges a second loveless marriage to an eminently respectable ancient, Grace plans a fortnight of defiance and self-ruination to stop the wedding. But as Grace enters the heady, risky world of an affair with Sin, she finds herself inexplicably drawn to him— and she soon realizes two weeks won’t be nearly enough.

EXCERPT

“What else did he say?”

Grace’s lips tightened, and Sin regretted the loss of her soft, sated smile. “That if I am a silent, docile china doll, who accepts his painful, perfunctory bedchamber visits, I will have the honor of birthing sons to carry on his line, and daughters to sell to the highest ranked bidder. All while gaining a veritable tidal wave of tasteful jewelry, figurines, posies, and hair ribbons.”

His gut twisted, and he enveloped her in his arms, smoothing a hand over her hair as much to soothe himself as her. “What lady could resist such a thoroughly tempting offer?”

She looked away, but not before he saw the sheen of tears in her eyes. “Once upon a time I did want a child. Badly. But the thought of him in my bed…of being trapped in a cold marriage again with someone I despise in every way, ruling me, lecturing and molding my sons and daughters, punishing us all for any perceived transgression… I can’t do it. I simply canno—”

A truly ear-murdering wail interrupted her, and Sin glanced sideways to see the red-faced visage of their hostess, a small army of appropriately outraged guests trailing behind her. “Ah, Lady Miles,” he teased. “What a becoming shade of pumpkin you are wearing. Contrasts perfectly with your tomato-esque cheeks.”

“Not one more word, sirrah, you…you despicable bounder! I see my husband’s tale was gospel truth. And Lady Carrington acting the slattern…the two of you treating my home like…like a brothel!”

“I wouldn’t say brothel,” said Grace, in a voice so sultry it made his spent cock throb.

“Nor I,” he added. “That is overly harsh, Lady Miles, not a penny has changed hands. Although if you’d like to negotiate a share as bawd, do let me know.”

Red became purple, and Sin’s lips quirked in alarm. Today it might be indeed possible to definitively answer whether a human head could implode.

MUSIC PLAYLIST

SURRENDER TO SIN by Nicola Davidson

Love Me Like You Do, Ellie Goulding.

Wheels, Foo Fighters.

Night is Still Young, Billy Joel.

Meet Me Halfway, Black Eyed Peas.

Landslide, Olivia Newton-John.

She Will Be Loved, Maroon.

Brave, Sara Bareilles.

Sexual Healing, Marvin Gaye.

Beneath Your Beautiful,

Labrinth feat Emili Sande.

Not a Bad Thing, Justin Timberlake.

ABOUT NICOLA DAVIDSON

NICOLA DAVIDSON worked for many years in communications and marketing as well as television and print journalism, but hasn’t looked back since she decided writing wicked historical romance was infinitely more fun. When not chained to a computer she can be found ambling along one of New Zealand’s beautiful beaches, cheering on the champion All Blacks rugby team, history geeking on the internet or daydreaming. If this includes chocolate – even better!Keep up with Nicola’s news on Twitter (@NicolaMDavidson) Facebook (Nicola Davidson – Author) or her websitewww.nicola-davidson.com